SF 2029 (LSB 5456XS (3) 87)

SENATE FILE 2029

BY  JOCHUM

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the inclusion of age-appropriate sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention information in academic standards and the health curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.7, subsection 26, Code 2018, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  d.  When next revising rules adopted for purposes of this subsection relating to statewide health literacy academic standards and twenty-first century learning goals for students in kindergarten through grade twelve, the state board shall consider including age-appropriate content in sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention in the statewide health literacy academic standards and twenty-first century learning goals for such students. The state board shall also consider prescribing guidelines for the inclusion of information on sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention in the health curriculum offered and taught under section 256.11. School districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies may provide age-appropriate instruction in sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention to students in kindergarten through grade twelve, inclusive, as applicable. However, any student in kindergarten through grade twelve shall be excused from instruction in sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention offered and taught in accordance with this paragraph, section 256.11, or section 279.50, upon written request of the student’s parent or guardian.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill directs the state board of education to consider including age-appropriate content in sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention in the statewide health literacy academic standards and 21st century learning goals for such students, and to consider prescribing guidelines for the inclusion of such information in the health curriculum offered and taught by school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. The bill also authorizes school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies to provide such instruction, but requires that a student be excused from such instruction if the student’s parent or guardian submits a written request to excuse the student.